Pittsburgh Sports Blog: Steelers' Needs Met

Steelers Needs Prior to Draft
Through the draft and the signing of undrafted free agents, the Steelers have attempted to solve most of their needs.

Monmouth QB Alex Tanney will get an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a contract and be considered Ben's long-term back-up.

Florida RB Chris Rainey is added to the stall of backs. He is not a more consistent running back than what the Steelers have, but it is likely that OC Todd Haley will use a rotation of backs, like he did at Kansas City, to compensate.

Oregon TE David Paulson has the ability to be a pass receiving TE, but I see him more like FB/TE/H-back David Johnson.

The Steelers brought in two wide receivers over 6'0" (Colorado WR Toney Clemons and Duquesne WR Connor Dixon). Clemons, a seventh-round pick, will be given every shot to make the team because of his unique combination of size and speed (6'2" and rumored to have run a 4.37 40). Dixon is a long shot to make the team. He is 6'5" and was a converted QB at Duquesne University. The Steelers also brought in Alabama WR Marquis Maze who is 5'10" but has a good shot to make the team due to his skill set as a slot/sub-package receiver.

Ohio State OT Mike Adams had some off the field issues, but there is no denying his talent. If the Steelers can turn him into a worker, then they got an absolute steal in round two.

Stanford G David DeCastro will step in at RG from day one. SMU G Kelvin Beachum has the potential to contribute as well. I would not be surprised if Beachum beats out Ramon Foster at LG. Beachum is a sleeper. The Steelers also added some undrafted free agent guards in Rutgers OT/G Desmond Stapleton and Furman G Ryan Lee. Lee is a long shot and Stapleton is a very long shot.

Southern Connecticut State DT Ikponmwosa Igbinosun will make the move to DE for the Steelers. He actually has a shot at making the team as his only competition looks to be Al Woods. Yale DE Jake Stoller was also signed as an undrafted free agent, but it would be a surprise if he made the roster.

The fact that Washington NT Alameda Ta'amu was available in the fourth round was a shock to me. He is the perfect fit for the Steelers 3-4. He is a huge man that eats up double teams. He will get some playing time this year and potentially replace Casey Hampton next season.

The Steelers waited until after the draft to address their OLBs, but got a quality pick up in Pitt DE/OLB Brandon Lindsey. If Lindsey impresses, he has the ability to allow the Steelers to fill their next need.

Miami LB Sean Spence is a "Mack" ILB for the Steelers, so he does not meet the needs. However, Spence will be Timmon's back-up and a special teamer. LB Coach Keith Butler mentioned in a press conference yesterday that he may look at moving OLB Jason Worilds inside. That would be a solution to the "Buck" need. However, it depends on two things: Lindsey sticking as an OLB and Worilds looking good as an ILB.

The Steelers drafted Texas A&M CB Terrence Frederick in round seven. I actually see him as more of a safety, as his quickness is not good enough to be an NFL CB. He will contribute as a special teamer, though. Louisiana Tech CB Terry Carter signed as an undrafted free agent. Again, he won't solve the starting CB problem, but competition isn't a bad thing.

As I said above, Frederick looks like more of a SS to me. He is solid as a run stuffer and tackler, but struggles some in coverage. The Steelers also added Arizona safety Robert Golden as an undrafted free agent. He has played CB and safety, but will likely be a FS in the NFL. He's actually a fairly talented safety and may push Will Allen or Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith off the roster.

Georgia punter Drew Butler was added as an undrafted free agent. He was a Ray Guy award winner in 2009. He could potentially replace Jeremy Kapinos.

Missouri K Grant Ressel had some solid numbers before last season. However, he may have struggled due to some hip problems. The hope is that he will come in and compete with Shaun Suisham.

Sunday, April 29, 2012